Rotax Goes Electric!

BRP-Rotax has made public its new electric kart engine – the Rotax THUNDeR.

The company’s first electric powerpack for racing karts was presented on a Sodi kart DD2 chassis during a press conference at the Red Bull race track in Spielberg, Austria.

 

“We are proud to bring our first electric-powered product to the market” said Thomas Uhr, General Manager BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG.

“E-mobility is an evolving technology in the whole industry and is now part of BRP-Rotax’s growing product portfolio.

“The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack reflects our DNA: racing experience and always breaking new ground in our markets.”

A special race series, the Rotax E-MAX Challenge, is planned to offer kart racers the ultimate karting experience. A charity race using the machines will take place at this years Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Portugal.

The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack itself will be available in the second quarter of 2018.

Formula 3 driver Ferdinand Habsburg demonstrated the new Rotax electric powerpack

 



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from the Rotax press release

The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack is BRP-Rotax’s first step into this new technology. It is designed for use on common kart racing tracks and requires low maintenance as well as easy handling.

With its powerful e-Drive, the Rotax THUNDeR is a premium quality kart powertrain combined with the latest high-performance lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 2.5 kWh. With a top performance of 20 kW and 46 Nm, this innovative electric karting powerpack does not need to fear a comparison with karts with combustion engines. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and has a top speed of 130 km/h.

The Rotax THUNDeR powerpack will be sold via the newly founded RIC TECH GmbH, a joint venture of SMRE Spa, a leading company specialized in the development of highly technological solutions within the field of electrical mobility, and BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co KG, a subsidiary of BRP and leader in the production and development of engines for recreational vehicles.




“After signing the joint venture agreement in June this year, the launch of the Rotax THUNDeR is the next stage in our successful relationship,” said Samuele Mazzini, CEO of SMRE.

“Together we have an ambitious goal: lay the foundation for electric karting in a real racing environment.”

For more information about the Rotax THUNDeR e-kart powerpack, please visit the webpage www.racelikeneverbefore.com.

The live launch in Spielberg

 

 



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